Best AFK Melee Training Methods in OSRS for 2025

Training melee skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be a grind, but AFK (Away From Keyboard) methods make it easier to level up Attack, Strength, and Defence without constant clicking. Whether you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player or a member (P2P), this guide covers the most efficient and low-effort melee training spots to help you maximize experience while minimizing attention. From crabs to Nightmare Zone, we’ll explore the best locations, gear setups, and strategies for 2025, perfect for casual players or those multitasking. Let’s dive into the top AFK melee training methods!

AFK melee training is ideal for players who want to progress in OSRS while handling real-life tasks, watching videos, or even playing on an alt account. These methods focus on monsters with high hitpoints, low attack, and aggressive behavior, allowing you to stay in combat with minimal interaction. The goal is to find spots where you can train for 10–20 minutes without clicking, balancing experience rates with convenience.

Benefits of AFK Training

• Time Efficiency: Train while doing other activities, maximizing your OSRS progress.
• Low Effort: Minimal clicking means less fatigue during long sessions.
• Accessibility: Options available for all levels, from F2P beginners to P2P veterans.
• Profit Potential: Some methods offer decent loot, offsetting training costs.

Top F2P AFK Melee Training Methods

Free-to-play players have fewer options, but there are still solid AFK spots in OSRS that deliver good experience with minimal setup. These methods are great for low-level players or those avoiding membership costs.

Giant Spiders in Stronghold of Security

Located in the third level of the Stronghold of Security (Pit of Pestilence), Giant Spiders (level 50) are a go-to for F2P players. They’re always aggressive, making them perfect for AFK training, and their high hitpoints ensure steady XP.

• Combat Level: 20–50
• Requirements: None, but 30+ Defence helps.
• Gear: Best scimitar (rune for 40 Attack), full rune armor, amulet of strength.
• XP/Hour: ~20,000–30,000 (varies by stats).
• Tip: Bring a fly fishing rod and feathers to fish food near Barbarian Village for longer trips.

Pros: Always aggressive, no competition, safe spot. Cons: Poor drops (mostly beginner clue scrolls), crowded at peak times.

Flesh Crawlers for Low Levels

Flesh Crawlers (level 28–41) in the second level of the Stronghold of Security are ideal for players with 20–40 combat. They’re aggressive and have decent hitpoints for low-level training.

• Combat Level: 15–40
• Requirements: None.
• Gear: Mithril or adamant scimitar, full armor for your level.
• XP/Hour: ~15,000–25,000.
• Tip: Use auto-retaliate and check every 10 minutes to reset aggression.

Pros: Easy access, decent XP for beginners. Cons: Drops are lackluster (body runes, coins), can be crowded.

Best P2P AFK Melee Training Spots

Members have access to a wider range of AFK training methods, offering higher XP rates and better loot. These spots cater to various combat levels and playstyles, from crabs to high-level Slayer tasks.

Sand Crabs on Hosidius Coast

Sand Crabs (level 15) are a classic AFK training spot on the Hosidius coast of Zeah. With 60 hitpoints and low attack, they’re perfect for low to mid-level players looking to train with minimal effort.

• Combat Level: 20–70
• Requirements: None, but Bone Voyage for Ammonite Crabs is a bonus.
• Gear: Rune scimitar or whip, fighter torso, dragon defender, rune armor.
• XP/Hour: ~40,000–70,000 (higher with better gear).
• Tip: Find a spot with 2–3 crabs and reset aggression every 10 minutes by running 30 tiles away.

Pros: High hitpoints, low competition, easy to access. Cons: No significant drops, can get busy.

Ammonite Crabs on Fossil Island

Ammonite Crabs (level 25) on Fossil Island are an upgrade from Sand Crabs, offering 100 hitpoints for better XP rates. They’re less crowded and ideal for mid-level players.

• Combat Level: 40–80
• Requirements: Bone Voyage quest.
• Gear: Abyssal whip or dragon scimitar, obsidian armor for strength bonus.
• XP/Hour: ~60,000–100,000.
• Tip: Use a digsite pendant for quick access and bring noted food for extended sessions.

Pros: Higher XP than Sand Crabs, less crowded. Cons: Quest requirement, minimal loot.

Nightmare Zone (NMZ) for High-Level AFK

Nightmare Zone, located north of Yanille, is the king of AFK melee training for P2P players. It offers customizable boss fights, high XP rates, and the ability to train for 15–20 minutes per session with the right setup.

• Combat Level: 70+
• Requirements: 5 NMZ-eligible quests (e.g., Vampire Slayer, Witch’s House).
• Gear: Dharok’s set, dwarven rock cake, absorption potions, overloads.
• XP/Hour: ~100,000–200,000 (with Dharok’s at 1 HP).
• Tip: Use a custom Hard Rumble with low-HP bosses like Tree Spirit for max XP.

Pros: Highest AFK XP rates, safe minigame, reward points for potions. Cons: Requires setup, costly gear, initial quest grind.

Gear and Inventory Setup for AFK Training

Optimizing your gear and inventory is key to extending AFK sessions and boosting XP. Below is a general guide for melee training, adaptable to F2P or P2P.

Recommended Gear by Level

Combat Level	Weapon	Armor	Accessories
1–40 (F2P)	Rune Scimitar	Full Rune	Amulet of Strength
40–70 (P2P)	Dragon Scimitar	Fighter Torso, Rune Plate	Obsidian Cape
70+ (P2P)	Abyssal Whip	Dharok’s or Obsidian	Dragon Defender, Berserker Ring

Note: For NMZ, prioritize Dharok’s with absorption potions to maximize damage at 1 HP.

Inventory Tips

• Food: Bring cheap food like trout or cakes for F2P; sharks or monkfish for P2P.
• Potions: Strength potions for F2P, super combats or overloads for P2P.
• Utility: Dwarven rock cake (NMZ), noted food for banking, teleport runes.
• Profit: High alchemy runes or a gem bag for Slayer tasks to offset costs.

Advanced AFK Methods for Profit and XP

For high-level players or those wanting to make money while training, combining AFK melee with Slayer or profitable monsters can be a game-changer. These methods require more setup but offer great rewards.

Bandits in Kharidian Desert

Bandits (level 57) in the Bandit Camp stay aggressive if you wear a Saradomin or Zamorak item, allowing 20-minute AFK sessions. Guthan’s armor makes this nearly fully AFK.

• Combat Level: 60+
• Requirements: Guthan’s armor (optional), Saradomin/Zamorak item.
• Gear: Guthan’s set, unholy blessing, ring of life.
• XP/Hour: ~50,000–80,000.
• Tip: Use a magic carpet from Shantay Pass for quick access.

Pros: Fully AFK with Guthan’s, decent XP. Cons: Expensive gear, desert heat (mitigated in camp).

Vyrewatch in Darkmeyer

Vyrewatch (level 105–140) in Darkmeyer are a semi-AFK Slayer option for high-level players, offering combat XP plus Prayer, Firemaking, and Farming XP with the right setup.

• Combat Level: 90+
• Requirements: Morytania elite tasks, River of Blood quest, seedicide.
• Gear: Blood amulet, Slayer helmet, high-level melee gear.
• XP/Hour: ~150,000–200,000 combat XP, plus side skills.
• Tip: Loot every 1–2 minutes for up to 6M GP/hour.

Pros: High XP, profitable, multi-skill training. Cons: High requirements, semi-AFK due to looting.

Tips for Maximizing AFK Melee Training

To get the most out of your AFK sessions, follow these strategies to boost efficiency and stay safe.

General Tips

• Auto-Retaliate: Always enable it to keep fighting without clicking.
• Reset Aggression: Run out of the area and back every 10–20 minutes for crabs or similar monsters.
• Prayer: Use Protect from Melee or Piety for longer trips, especially in NMZ or Bandits.
• Banking: Use nearby banks (e.g., Hosidius for Sand Crabs) to restock quickly.

Safety and Efficiency

• Ring of Life: Equip one for Bandits or risky spots to avoid death.
• Mobile Play: AFK methods are perfect for mobile, letting you check in every 10–15 minutes.
• Slayer Combo: Train Slayer alongside melee for efficiency, using tasks like crabs or trolls.

AFK melee training in OSRS is a fantastic way to level up Attack, Strength, and Defence with minimal effort. From Giant Spiders for F2P players to Nightmare Zone and Vyrewatch for P2P veterans, there’s a method for every level and goal. Optimize your gear, stock up on food, and pick a spot that suits your playstyle. Happy training, and may your XP gains be ever in your favor!